In 2025, Pennsylvania lacks laws to protect homeowners from fraudulent property transfers, an oversight highlighted by lawmakers. Proposed legislation, H.B. 1406, aims to define deed fraud clearly and strengthen legal recourse for victims. The bill targets deceptive practices like forging property deeds, ensuring rightful owners can challenge these thefts. Recent cases, such as that of notary Gwendolyn Schell involved in a property theft ring, underscore the urgency for legal reform. Support for the bill is strong among organizations such as the Pennsylvania Land Title Association, which seeks to deter such crimes.
Until we address this legislative oversight, victims of real estate theft will remain vulnerable and without any real avenues for justice. H.B. 1406 seeks to change that.
The proposed legislation would formally define deed fraud as the intentional and fraudulent transfer of real property using forged, altered or falsely executed documents.
Collection
[
|
...
]